SERMON XXXVII - Saints should be careful not to suffer for evil genuinely - Matthew 5:12
SERMON XXXVII
OR Saints should be careful not to suffer for evil genuinely Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the Prophets which were before you. - MATTHEW 5:12
The final rule of blessedness is the suffering of persecution and reviling for the sake of Christ. Blessed are those who endure such suffering. We have discussed persecution in general and reviling in particular, and the blessedness that comes from enduring either persecution or reviling. Even when people speak all kinds of evil against us—evil that seems unlikely and baseless—they still dare to fasten all sorts of accusations upon us. But let the saints be careful that no genuine evil is spoken of them, for that is a grievous matter.
They are not blessed in such circumstances. Rather, they are blessed when false accusations are made against them for the sake of Christ's name, not for their own desires or lusts. Christ will acknowledge them in those cases. Indeed, Christ has a special regard for those who suffer anything in his cause, including having their names wounded. He will bind up that wound. In Jeremiah 15:15, we read,
"O Lord, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy long suffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke." When you suffer for your own lusts and passions, you suffer because of your own wickedness. But
when it is for the sake of the Lord, then you can approach prayer with comfort. Be cautious that Christ does not suffer for your sake in the sense of suffering for your sins and wickedness. Isn't it enough that Christ has suffered for your sake in a meritorious manner?
Instead, suffer for Christ's sake, but do not let Christ suffer for your sake.
Moving on to verse 12, "Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad." Rejoice, leap, and skip for joy. In Luke 6:23, we find the following words:
"Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the Prophets." It should bring great joy to the saints when they are reviled and persecuted for the sake of Christ. This is a clear indication that they are on the path of Christ, that they belong to Christ, and that they have advanced far enough to become sufferers for him. Rejoice in that. The good deeds you do are good for you, but not as much as when you suffer. When you are reviled, the Spirit of God and glory rest upon you. As stated in 1 Peter 4:14, "If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified." It is not sufficient for the people of God to merely be patient in their suffering; they must also be reproached. Moses regarded the reproaches for Christ as greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. Persecutions for the sake of Christ are riches to a truly gracious heart. Therefore, rejoice.
First, how can I rejoice when it is an affliction? If anyone is afflicted, let him pray. I confess that when our affliction comes as a chastisement for sin, mourning is necessary. However, I never find the Scripture calling for mourning from the saints who suffer for the cause of Christ. Though it is an evil in itself, it does not call for mourning. While God may send other afflictions as a result of the
sins of his people, we do not find God charging his people with suffering for his cause and affliction for their sin. When we come to suffer for the cause of Christ, God has a further purpose beyond afflicting us, one that does not require mourning. Rejoice and leap for joy. Why? Because great is your reward in heaven. You will be rewarded for your suffering. Every speck of dirt cast upon you will be transformed into a pearl, enhancing the glory of your reward and your happiness. The happiness that the saints will experience is called a reward, not a reward based on merit, but a reward of free grace. Just as a father intends to leave an inheritance for his child but promises certain rewards to encourage him to attend school, not as a matter of merit but out of his free love for the child, the Lord chooses to call all the glory in heaven a reward. The suffering we endure for the sake of his name, though tainted by sin, serves as encouragement for us poor creatures who now live in hope of a reward. And great is your reward; it is abundant, a substantial reward. There is undoubtedly a difference in the glory of heaven.
Those who suffer the most will receive the greatest reward. They shall receive a significant reward because they suffer greatly. This serves as an encouragement during times of suffering. There is undoubtedly a distinction in the rewards for suffering. They shall receive a great reward. It is worth noting that Christ does not specify the exact reward they shall receive. He does not mention specific rewards because they are so great that they cannot be limited or adequately expressed. We are unable to comprehend them. Instead,
Christ simply states that it is a great reward. Surely our hearts are too limited if we attempt to establish boundaries for God's mercy. When we think in terms of "if God is merciful to us, then we shall be happy," our spirits are too narrow. The mercy of God is a profound concept. No carnal heart in the world limits God's mercy to the extent that it limits its own obedience. However, it may hold certain expectations for ultimate contentment. A gracious heart is so
expansive that no specific thing can satisfy it. This is why a gracious heart will never limit itself to any duty but will immerse itself in an infinite ocean of service to God. The expectation that such a soul has from God surpasses all finite goods. Therefore, Christ says, "Great is your reward." He does not name any specific reward.
Again, great is your reward in heaven. It may be that you will receive no reward here on earth. As long as you live on this earth, you will be reviled and persecuted. This will never end. It is possible that your entire life will be spent enduring this, so look for your reward in a higher place. Personally, I didn't care much if I was persecuted by some and honoured by others. However, it may be that you will be reviled by the wicked and disapproved of by the righteous. As a result, you may not receive any reward here on earth. But you must expect it in the afterlife. I confess that sometimes the Lord does reward them here on earth by honouring them in the consciences of those who reviled them. However, if that doesn't happen, if you receive nothing here, you must wait for it until you reach heaven, where you will receive a full reward. The saints are willing to do so; they are willing to wait for all their reward until they come to heaven.
We see such a reality and certainty and glory in heavenly things that we are willing to wait. When it comes, it will make up for everything.
A carnal heart is not willing to wait; it wants something tangible in the present moment. But the saints have the willingness to wait for what comes afterward; they have the ability to look beyond the veil.
What is this? In 2 Peter 1:9, it is written, "But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins." Wicked people are short-sighted; they can only see things that are right in front of them. They cannot see far off; they cannot see heaven. They consider earthly things as realities. But the saints view earthly things as vain and empty, and they see heavenly things as reality. The people of the world engage in
transactions with God for small things; they seek immediate satisfaction for their carnal hearts. They do not understand the true nature of these things, for they only seek little from God. However, the saints of God engage in transactions with God for eternity, for glory, for a kingdom, and for a crown. They are willing to wait until afterward; they do not care what happens to them here as long as they have the kingdom of heaven in the future. There is a difference between the service that God requires from men in the world. The Lord has some who serve him, and they must receive immediate payment. God says, "You shall have it, and that is your portion."
When he has given you some outward satisfaction in the world, that is all you are likely to have forever. But the saints of God are not concerned about what they will receive. They are willing to serve him no matter the outcome. Although they may not receive the immediate payment that others receive in the world, their reward in heaven is great. The reward in heaven is substantial, a great reward.
In Psalm 57:2, it is written, "Power from on high," meaning glorious power, great power. In Jeremiah 25:3, it is stated, "Surely there is a reward for the righteous." Regardless of what they encounter here, surely there is a reward in heaven. In Psalm 119:89, it is written, "For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven." There is certainly a reward for the saints. One indication that there must be a great reward is that from the beginning of the world until now, they have suffered so much on earth. God must take some time to distribute his infinite treasures, visibly too. Certainly, the power of God will match his grace and mercy to work mightily and reveal the infinite riches of his grace in rewarding. Therefore, there is a reward for the saints, and especially for the suffering saints.
Secondly, there must be a great reward in heaven for them because the Lord gives the greatest portion of the earth to the wicked, even to the dogs. There are higher things for the saints. If the earth is so
excellent that God gives it to his enemies, what does he have for his own saints, those who are dear to him, his children who suffer for him? When we consider this world, when we see its canopy adorned with stars and witness the glory and wealth of the earth, and then contemplate to whom this belongs—namely, the enemies of God, those whom God hates—the entire Turkish Empire is but a crumb, something that the master of a household throws to his dog. Surely, then, what shall the saints have! Therefore, when you see the wicked prosper, reason in this way: "Is it indeed true that wicked people have so much here? Then what shall the saints have, those who suffer for him?"
Thirdly, another proof is that the hopes of the saints are elevated and raised, and this is done by the Holy Spirit. Their hopes for great things must not fade because they are raised by the power of the Holy Spirit. In Romans 15:13, it is written, "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." The hopes of the saints are raised by God and by the power of the Holy Spirit. If God and the Holy Spirit have undertaken to raise their hopes, surely those hopes must not be insignificant. The object of their hopes is undoubtedly magnificent, as it is the glory of God and the glory of the Holy Spirit that elevates their hopes. Surely, these are glorious hopes. When great men, captains, and princes take a title for themselves based on something, it indicates their high regard for it. The hopes of the saints are such that God takes a title from them; he is the God of their hopes. Surely, their reward must be a glorious reward, the one they hope for.
Fourthly, it must be a great reward because it was prepared for them before the foundation of the world. God has been preparing glory for
his people from all eternity. Surely, the work that God has been preparing since eternity past will be exceedingly glorious.
Fifthly, another proof is that whenever it comes, it is for the purpose of God declaring to men and angels what his infinite power is capable of elevating a creature to and what his infinite mercy is able to bestow upon a creature. We are chosen to the praise of his rich and glorious grace. If this is God's purpose in choosing us—to manifest the power of his grace and what that power means—then this is the reward for you, to what a height an infinite God is able to raise poor creatures. Great is your reward in heaven.
Lastly, it must be a great reward because it is the fruit of the purchase made by the blood of Christ, a purchase that was so costly.
Therefore, it must be of equal value and worth that the blood of Christ deserved. Just as sin cries out for more and more wrath to be poured upon it for all eternity because sin deserves it, the merit of Christ will cry out for you if you do not receive to the utmost capacity that a creature is capable of. Isn't there enough here to encourage us in suffering? This reward is such that Christ has gone ahead to prepare. In John 14, it is mentioned as one purpose of his ascension into heaven, to make all things ready for his saints and disciples when they come. If you ask me what it is, well, should I tell you about the blessed vision of God, the enjoyment of God, communion with God, communion with the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost? The Scripture speaks only briefly about the glory of the soul because it wants us to reason from that which is more tangible. If the Scripture tells us that the body will shine like the sun in the sky, then what will the soul do? The soul is capable of communion with God. So, keep in mind that every time you suffer something, you are exercising your faith in that glorious reward. "Blessed are you when you suffer for righteousness' sake and when men revile you, for great is your
reward" (Matthew 5:10-11). The person being addressed changes; first, "Blessed are they," and then, "Blessed are you." The reason for this change is that Christ seems to be directing himself to those disciples whom he sent out to preach the Gospel. Just as he spoke to all those who would profess the Gospel, saying, "Blessed are they who suffer for righteousness' sake," now he says, "Blessed are you."
Take note of this: the ministers of the Gospel should expect to experience suffering from the evil and wicked world. As Jesus said, "I send you out as sheep among wolves." The ministers of the Gospel are engaged in a direct battle against the kingdom of Satan like no other people in the world. It is a peculiar statement we find in John
17:14, "And have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." Immediately after receiving the Word, the world hates them.
The more they possess the word of truth, the more the world hates them. You know what Christ said about Paul during his conversion in Acts 9:15-16, "But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake." If he goes to bear the name of Christ, then he must endure great suffering.
Secondly, the ministers of the Gospel are more visible and under constant scrutiny compared to other people. They must be cautious as they are constantly watched and targeted.
Thirdly, the ministers of the Gospel have no physical weapons to defend themselves; their only defense is spiritual. A magistrate can defend himself because he possesses the sword, but a minister cannot. Ministers confront people's desires, especially their beloved lusts. If a minister preaches in a general manner and does not strike
at their lusts, all is well. However, if they address their lusts directly, they cannot bear it and revile the minister.
Fourthly, the devil knows that he can cause great harm by tarnishing the reputation of ministers and diminishing their esteem among the people. Although he may not succeed in certain areas for a long time, he can make the ministers appear despicable and incite people to speak evil of them. Let us recognize the wickedness of this world.
Even though the ministers of God bring the greatest blessing by proclaiming the riches of God's grace in the blessed Covenant, and should be accepted as messengers of the divine, this wicked world harbours enmity towards them. Ministers should be careful to walk circumspectly so that no grounds for objection can be found against them.
Lastly, strive to uphold the true honour that Christ has entrusted to you in the ministry of the Gospel. You know how concerned and protective Jesus Christ is of the honour and esteem of his ministers.
Therefore, you must not accept an accusation against an elder without two or three witnesses. Rather than believing and spreading accusations without evidence, all godly individuals should make every effort to uphold the honour of faithful ministers, treating their reputation with care and demolishing anything that could prejudice them.
"For so persecuted they the Prophets."
It is neither strange nor new that you encounter persecution and reviling. You should not consider it a strange thing, as Peter mentions in regard to the fiery trial. Consider these three aspects.
First, the history of how the Prophets, throughout time, faced persecution, particularly the ministers of God. He does not say that the same happened to the saints but to the Prophets.
The second aspect is to demonstrate where the power of the argument lies, that you should rejoice and be glad because the Prophets were persecuted.
Thirdly, we should consider the practical implications of the suffering of the Prophets. From Abraham onwards, you know the hardships they endured. Isaac also suffered, as did Moses, who faced reproach, as mentioned in Hebrews 11. David, in Psalm 35:15, said,
"But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects (or as it is in the Hebrew, the smiters) gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not." The Church in Psalm 79:4 declared, "We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us." Job was called by the basest of people. In Job 16:9-10, it is written, "He teareth me in his wrath, who hateth me: he gnasheth upon me with his teeth; mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me. They have gaped upon me with their mouth; they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully; they have gathered themselves together against me." Nehemiah 2:19 tells us that when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the servant, and Geshem the Arabian heard of Nehemiah's work, they laughed them to scorn, despised them, and questioned their actions. Isaiah suffered similar mockery, as described in Isaiah 28:13, "But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken." The Prophet Isaiah was even sawn asunder, and he endured scorn for his ministry. The Hebrew word used to describe how the prophets were addressed implies a kind of scorn shown to them despite their elevated status as prophets. Ezekiel and Jeremiah also suffered, as did Christ Himself and the apostles, martyrs, and reformers. Those who played significant roles in the work of
reformation faced contempt, reviling, and scorn. Tertullian wrote about the Christians in his time, how they were labeled as enemies of the state, accused of meeting secretly at night, extinguishing candles, and engaging in immoral acts, worshiping an ass's head, mocking them as foolish people. Chrysostom was banished by the Empress and faced much scorn. Augustine also endured reviling in his time.
When I previously discussed the persecution of the disciples, I focused on their specific sufferings, but I postponed discussing the sufferings endured by eminent Christians who played a key role in religious reformation. Calvin, who was instrumental in the Church of God, was said to have been eaten by worms and accused of calling on the devil, despite his gentle nature and peaceful death. Similar accusations were made against Beza, claiming he desired lordship, was stubborn, and had an unforgiving spirit. Such accusations fulfill the prophecy of speaking evil of others. It is reported that Beza lived without bitterness, remaining calm even when enemies attempted to provoke him with a violent spirit. He remained as tranquil as a person without a gall bladder. This illustrates how it has always been the way of wicked men to oppose those who have contributed to good and reformation with great earnestness and zeal, particularly during the time of Queen Elizabeth. Those who opposed the hierarchy of the Church faced mistreatment from the bishops. Therefore, do not consider your names to be more precious than theirs. Why should you expect an easier journey to heaven than they had? Why do you assume that God should favour you over them? Remember that the same spirit of darkness still prevails. Keep your hearts close to God and Christ, and ensure that you suffer only for the sake of Christ. In that case, rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. This is how the prophets who came before you were persecuted.